Ruta Lee, born Ruta Mary Kilmonis on May 30, 1935, in Montréal, Québec, Canada, is a celebrated actress whose career spans over seven decades. Known for her versatility and enduring presence, Lee has made significant contributions to film, television, theater, and philanthropy.
By Valerie Milano, Senior Editor | The Hollywood Times
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 4/19/25 – Sitting in the warm, welcoming living room of Ruta Lee’s historic Hollywood Hills home—once graced by none other than Rita Hayworth and Orson Welles—you can’t help but feel like you’re in the presence of living Hollywood royalty. And yet, Ruta greets you not with grandeur, but with humility, humor, and a heart as big as her legendary career.
Check out our exclusive interview:
Interview with Hollywood Legendary Actress Ruta Lee at her home
“Thank you for saying legendary,” she quips with a wink. “Well, in my own mind, I am. That’s about it.”
But let’s be clear—Ruta Lee is legendary. Not just for her work on screen in classics like Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, but for the depth of her humanity, the humor that follows her like a sparkle trail, and the tireless advocacy she’s poured into decades of charity work.
A Home Full of History and Heart
Ruta spent the early years of her career—smartly purchasing it to avoid inheritance taxes. And the Hollywood history here runs deep. “Rita Hayworth and Orson Welles once lived here,” she told me, laughing. “I keep rubbing my behind on the walls, assuming the glamor will come off!”
The home also holds sweet memories shared with her by Hollywood friends like Margaret O’Brien, who had recalled swimming in the pool during Hayworth’s time at the home. The neighborhood, nestled in the iconic Laurel Canyon, has changed vastly over the years, but Ruta’s spirit and stories keep its vintage charm alive.
The Showbiz Spark
Ruta’s passion for the arts was nurtured from a young age thanks to her mother’s belief in her talent. “She would work to have money for me to have dancing lessons, music lessons… I owe everything to her,” Ruta said. Her father, initially skeptical, eventually became one of her proudest supporters.
Ruta’s advice to up and coming young performers? “Have something to fall back on. You can’t eat applause,” she says with a knowing smile. “Don’t be afraid to wait tables, clean dishes—do whatever it takes. That’s how you make it.”
Ruta herself never had to wait tables—thanks to her supportive family—but she’s never forgotten her roots, or the work ethic that shaped her. “We learned to work from childhood and not expect. Americans are spoiled,” she said, candidly. “We need to remember that hard work and self-reliance matter.”
From Khrushchev to Carson
One of the most astonishing tales Ruta shares is her Cold War-era mission to rescue her grandmother from the Soviet Union. It involved diplomatic hurdles, sealed letters, and—believe it or not—a phone call to Nikita Khrushchev himself. Yes, Ruta called the Kremlin. And yes, it worked.
In a story that’s part political thriller, part Hollywood fairytale, she recalls placing a late-night call to the Kremlin, spurred on by wine and desperation. Ultimately, the call led to a breakthrough: she was able to bring her grandmother to the U.S. after 12 years of trying.
Her appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, where she brought her grandmother as a guest, is one of the more touching examples of how Ruta’s life has intertwined with the glitz of entertainment and the grit of real life.
Classic Hollywood, Up Close
Ruta’s career has been filled with moments alongside iconic stars. Lucille Ball stands out—not just as a boss, but as a powerhouse. “She would brook no foolishness,” Ruta said. “But if you came in prepared, she loved you. I worked for her a lot.”
She also spoke fondly of attending Lucie Arnaz’s wedding and recalled, that her fathers’ (Desi Arnaz) amusing reactions to changes in the house he once shared with Lucy.
And while she never met Elvis (“I can’t tell you diddly squat,” she said with a laugh), she rubbed shoulders with almost every other major name of the golden era. “The biggest stars were the nicest people,” she shared. “They were real. They had bawdy humor and were just plain fun.”
Charity, Trailblazing, and the Thalians
If Ruta has trailblazed in Hollywood, it’s not just on the screen—it’s in her deep commitment to giving back. For nearly 60 years, Ruta has led the charge with The Thalians, a charity originally focused on mental health.
She credits her dear friend Debbie Reynolds with guiding her approach: “You can ask anyone for anything, as long as it isn’t for yourself.” That advice turned Ruta into a fundraising powerhouse.
Today, the Thalians support Operation Mend at UCLA, helping heal both the bodies and minds of U.S. Veterans. “We take care of the broken and fractured spirits,” she explained. “If you’ve been blessed, you must do something for someone else.”
“Consider Your Ass Kissed”
The title of her memoir couldn’t be more Ruta. Consider Your Ass Kissed one of her fave sayings happens to be the name of her book which took ten years to complete.
Packed with anecdotes about leading men, behind-the-scenes hilarity, and heartfelt reflections, the book is available on Amazon and at her favorite local bookstore, Edmunds, in Hollywood. “Some of the copies there are even signed!” she shared proudly.
Beauty, Humor, and Realness
Asked about her beauty secrets, Ruta’s answer was charmingly straightforward: “Soap, water, and Max Factor.” A nod to her Hollywood High School roots, she recalls saving her pennies to buy lipstick from across the street—now the home of the Max Factor Museum.
Leaving a Legacy
Ruta Lee is more than an actress—she’s a storyteller, a humanitarian, an entertainer, as well as – a force. Whether she’s working a red carpet, leading a charity gala, or simply flashing a warm smile at a stranger, she’s lived by one rule: “A smile doesn’t cost a damn thing.”
Ruta, thank you. For your work, your wisdom, and most of all, for your incredible heart.
From all of us at The Hollywood Times—Consider Your Ass Kissed.
Interview by Valerie Milano
Video & Media by Judy Shields
Special thanks to Aspiring Magazine, Edmunds Bookstore, and the SLS Hotel
Ruta Lee’s memoir “Consider Your Ass Kissed” is available now on Amazon and in select bookstores.
Learn more about Ruta’s charity work at: www.thalians.org
